Best practices for implementing a successful BYOD programme | 9 ways to make your BYOD policy work

Integrating personal devices into working practices can be a boost to business, but BYOD can be disastrous if managed incorrectly

The growth of BYOD (bring-your-own-device) initiatives continues unabated as more millennials enter the workforce and personal technology becomes inseparable from business needs.

BYOD can support remote working, save money, drive productivity and improve staff morale, but it also presents professional challenges. It can foster incompatibility and create major security risks if initiated carelessly. Following a set of best practices can ensure its adoption is productive and risk-free.

Tom is Online Editor. He studied English Literature and History at Sussex University before gaining a Masters in Newspaper Journalism from City University. He's particularly interested in the public sector and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

February 7, 2017

CIO UK

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1. How to implement a BYOD programme: Define the use

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Your strategy for BYOD will depend on your organisational needs and personal ambitions. Policies will vary depending on the company’s size, industry and data involved. Work alongside HR and your legal team to establish the risks and requirements and always prioritise security in any decisions.

Different stakeholders will have different needs and desires. Seek their input before defining your strategy. Their support will be crucial to achieve effective adoption and avoid shadow IT.

2. How to implement a BYOD programme: Create a mobile device management policy

Consider your security needs, the applications and devices you want to permit and the support staff will require before writing up living document that is regularly updated as required and consistent with your organisation’s needs.

Human error is the most common source of breaches, so decide on an appropriate level of access and keep staff informed of any risks to avoid potential disasters. When they leave the organisation, ensure procedures are in place to purge the company data.

4. How to implement a BYOD programme: Educate staff

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Make sure staff are kept informed of any security risks. This should cover basic smartphone safety for downloads and passwords, but also the risks posed by inserting external devices and integration with the Internet of Things.

Using strong PINs, secure networks and data encryption, as well as making regular backups, are all aspects of security they should be aware of and practising.

5. How to implement a BYOD programme: Use an enterprise mobility management (EMM) system

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EMM systems can be used to track who’s using their own devices. They simplify BYOD security by adding sensitive corporate data and approved applications to secure containers.

They provide an effective method of separating personal data from business information and can wipe the corporate data container remotely if a smartphone is lost or an employee leaves the company.

6. How to implement a BYOD programme: Support staff financially

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Staff understandably expect their employer to pay for equipment used for work. If you’re reluctant to financially sustain a personal device, consider offering an interest-free loan to support staff expenditure.

Employees will be reluctant to exceed their data limits for professional purposes so ensure they’re reimbursed, or risk reducing productivity by encouraging them to wait to find a Wi-Fi connection.

7. How to implement a BYOD programme: Ensure usage is consistent

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Each department should follow the same best practice criteria, so make sure it’s consistent across the organisation to avoid any confusion.

This can only be sustained if the needs of staff are accounted for, so involve cross-functional teams in determining policy to fulfil everyone’s requirements as BYOD will create problems if they don’t want to support it.

8. How to implement a BYOD programme: Be flexible

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The regular stream of upgrades and variety of mobile platforms available will make integration complex. Prepare to change alongside staff as technology develops and take their needs and preferences into account.

Replace legacy systems to support compatibility and re-evaluate your policies on a regular basis to ensure your organisation adapts quickly before it’s left behind.

9. How to implement a BYOD programme: Separate work and play

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Separate business and personal apps and data as when they’re mixed it can be difficult to identify what’s relevant to the business. Consider creating a blacklist of banned apps or a whitelist of ones you’re happy to allow and restrict app usage to only approved staff members.

Never monitor personal use to protect staff privacy, and delay blocking access to social media and sites such as YouTube if staff are performing well.